Spiritual Ascend: Mount Fuji Amid Overtourism Offers Tranquility

Before embarking on the ascent of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, it's customary to show reverence to the mountain deities. Locals believe these gods influence the terrain, affecting climbers' safety. The Yoshida Trail, starting at the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, offers a spiritual prelude. This shrine, rooted in volcano worship, honors Konohanasakuya-hima, the goddess linked to volcanic peaks in Japanese mythology. Established around 100 AD and renovated in 788, the shrine seeks to appease the mountain's spirits.

The shrine, once the starting point for the Yoshida Trail, now sees buses heading to the Fuji-Subaru Line Fifth Station at 2,305 meters. Starting this summer, the Yamanashi prefectural government plans to collect tolls of 2,000 Japanese yen ($13.41) to enhance the mountain's infrastructure. The funds will improve paths, renovate public facilities, and build emergency shelters for potential eruptions. Additionally, a daily limit of 4,000 hikers is proposed to manage congestion during the 70-day climbing season.

At the Fifth Station, hikers purchase wooden staves and begin the 6.8-kilometer ascent, often commencing in the late afternoon or early evening. The well-marked trail winds through a pine forest, evolving into bushland and rocky sections. Several "stations" with facilities are spaced along the route, offering short-stay accommodations at mountain huts for acclimatization. Climbing by head torchlight, hikers navigate a narrowing path, experiencing camaraderie as they ascend.

Reaching the summit, marked by a red-painted "torii" gateway, coincides with sunrise, a breathtaking spectacle. The sun emerges over the horizon, warming the atmosphere and revealing stunning views. Hikers capture moments and may opt for a 3-kilometer circumnavigation of the crater.

Climbing Mount Fuji is a popular but challenging endeavor, necessitating proper preparation. Appropriate footwear is crucial, considering temperature variations from the trailhead to the peak. Even in summer, temperatures can dip below zero, and winds can be biting. Guided hikes, especially for less experienced climbers, are recommended, emphasizing safety precautions.

Whether ascending with friends, in a guided group, or alone, acknowledging the mountain deities remains a cultural tradition and a respectful prelude to the climb.

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